Mondo Grass Needs Shade And Moisture To Grow Well

In the Garden - Q&A

June 16, 2004

Question: I planted dwarf mondo grass about two years ago as edging by the sidewalk. It has never really grown as I expected. It looks terrible this year. It's mostly brown and yellow. What can I do to make it thrive again?

H.N., Orange City

Answer: If it's not in shade most of the day, that could be the problem. Mondo grass requires a shady, moist spot to thrive. If it is in shade, be sure it's mulched and fertilized regularly and is being watered at least weekly. If it continues to decline, rip the plants out and start over with a different type of plant.

Q: I am interested in planting a pomegranate bush. Could you tell me which variety would fruit well in my area?

S.B., Tequesta

A: Varieties recommended for your area would be Wonderful, Purple Seed and Spanish Ruby. There is also a dwarf-fruited pomegranate that is often used as an ornamental plant but has small edible fruit. Enjoy.

Q: When should I prune ixora?

C.T., Ruskin

A: Ixora can be pruned anytime during the warm months, but no later than mid-September. Pruning too late in the fall can make the plant more susceptible to cold injury.

Q: We have just moved into a new house with new landscaping. I have a new magnolia tree with lots of blossoms that are strange. The bud is not the fat, stubby kind but skinny and long like a pencil. As the bud opens, the petals fall off, so we are getting no flowers. What is wrong with our tree?

E.F., Port Orange

A: Because the tree was recently planted, the flowers often drop before opening. Also, it could be a different variety of magnolia with smaller, elongated buds. Just keep watering regularly and fertilize three or four times this year and perhaps it will settle down next year and bloom correctly.